Anti-wrinkle Drug Juvéderm Gains Approval

June 7, 2006
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new cosmetic treatment called Juvéderm, according to the product's maker Allergan Inc. Juvéderm, expected to compete with a leading facial treatment called Restylane, is a family of gel products injected into the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Both Restylane and Juvéderm belong to a group of drugs called hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Over the last few years, demand for these products has witnessed bigger growth than any other cosmetic treatment in the United States. In 2005 alone, nearly 490,000 Americans received a hyaluronic acid treatment, such as Restylane, Hylaform, or Hylaform Plus, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

When these products are gently injected into the skin, they provide additional volume, effectively reducing the appearance of wrinkles. These cosmetic procedures are particularly popular in treating the deeper vertical wrinkles called “smile lines,” which can develop from the bottom of the nose down the sides of the mouth.

Unlike traditional dermal fillers like collagen, hyaluronic-based treatments do not require an allergy test prior to the procedure and are associated with a lower risk of side effects. Hyaluronic treatments have been used for over two decades in treating a variety of medical conditions.

Experts believe that Juvéderm is going to bring big competition for Restylane, which is currently the most popular hylaform treatment on the market.

If you have questions about any of these or other minimally-invasive procedures, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon .

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